Dear Parents,
It was a pleasure meeting you for conferences last week. There were some good conversations and I'd like to summarize for you some of the points that came up, so that we can all benefit from each others' experiences.
Reading - many of the children are reading as much as they can, even sneak reading with a flashlight under the covers. YAY!!
For any children who are resistant to reading at home, building it into your routine at home is very important (almost as important as it is for children to see their parents reading).
* Half an hour each evening with the TV/computers off, dedicated reading time, is of huge benefit. It might be painful at first, but once a habit it will be a real pleasure.
* Some families find an all-or-nothing approach works best, with no TV/electronics during the week at all.
* Books on tape are good time-fillers when you're in the car driving to practice, or on your way up to ski country….not only do they build a sophisticated vocabulary, they give you something to enjoy and talk about together. Some recommended authors are Roald Dahl, Brian Paulsen, Louis Sachar, Andrew Clements, Judy Blume, Beverly Cleary, J.K. Rowling.
* Magazines are recommended, as are quality comic books which help your child build inferential thinking skills. (You often need to read "between the lines" to understand the humor.)
Math - Some children are still building their knowledge of math facts. This is a developmental process, and not a skill that you can expect to master overnight. However, practice certainly helps as do card games and dice games which help the children to visualize the numbers. Giving your child practice counting money such as counting up your spare change is beneficial, as is having them wear a watch (analog) and having analog clocks in your home.
Homework - Let me know if they couldn't do any part of their homework, help them if they need that, but don't do it for them.
Effort - Putting forth best effort is very important for continued success in school. It is important to praise a child's effort more than their smartness. Persevering and trying hard, willingness to keep trying even when they might be wrong, willingness to learn and be curious are indicators of a motivated student.
Responsibility - First and second graders are old enough to be given regular chores, as well as doing things for themselves. They may need reminders, or to be given 15 minutes warning before you leave for an activity, but they can get themselves ready, get their water bottle ready, find their leotard or whatever else they need. It's all about planning, and being given the time to think.
Social Skills - At this age children know their manners and are able to wait if an adult is busy, and bide their time until the adult is available. Children are able to show empathy for others, and to provide a good apology if necessary as well as a willingness to make amends. Mean thoughts may occur to them about another classmate, but they know not to act on it with words or actions. They understand that they cannot win every game, and need to play fair and lose with good grace. They can recognize that other children may have more difficulty with their schoolwork than they, but can also recognize that they themselves may have difficulties sometimes too, and we're all learning together.
Organization - Some of us have it and some of us don't….yet! This is something that can be taught, with set routines at home for where things belong, when things are to get done, and who is responsible for what.
Always lose things? Have one place where all papers from school are to be placed each day when your child gets home from school.
Forgetting snack on a regular basis? When you empty out your papers each day, take a couple of minutes to pack a snack for the following day.
Forgetting homework? Once mom or dad have checked it on Thursday evening, pack it in your backpack right away.
I'm looking forward to spending the rest of the year with this great group of kids and parents.
Reminders for the week
Crickets - Mrs. Andrews
Brown bag it lunch - next Friday, 23rd
Regards,
Ann